State of the art of alexithymia measurement

The purpose of this study using hypertensive patients was to examine the validity and reliability of the current measures of alexithymia. Instruments investigated were the MMPI Alexithymia Scale developed in Denver, the Schalling-Sifneos Scale developed in Boston, and the Beth Israel Hospital Questionnaire (BIQ). Based on the sample of 53 outpatient subjects, no additional estimates of validity were gained to recommend the use of the MMPI Alexithymia Scale or the Schalling-Sifneos Scale as acceptable research instruments at this time. Inter-rater reliability of the BIQ was strong and supports its continued use. Recommendations for further standardization in alexithymia research are discussed.